President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has reviewed plans to strengthen Egypt’s social protection system, expand early childhood care services and improve support for vulnerable families.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy, the President discussed the government’s efforts to modernise social support programmes and introduce a more integrated national framework for protection and economic empowerment.
The proposed National Social Protection Framework is expected to bring together state-led initiatives aimed at supporting low-income households, reducing multidimensional poverty and improving access to essential services. The Ministry of Social Solidarity is also working with government entities, private-sector partners and civil society organisations to expand economic empowerment programmes for beneficiaries.
El-Sisi stressed that future reforms should maintain a balance between social justice and economic sustainability, while ensuring that those most in need continue to receive full protection. He directed the preparation of a unified social protection programme that can better identify eligible groups and provide them with targeted support.
The meeting also covered the Takaful and Karama cash-support programme, which currently serves around 4.7 million families. The President called for continued monitoring of the programme and for an annual assessment of its social, economic and development impact. He also emphasised the importance of helping beneficiary families become more economically self-reliant and improving the efficiency of public social spending.
Early childhood care and nursery services were another key focus of the discussion. The government is planning to increase nursery capacity, improve the quality of educational and care services for children aged up to four, and make licensing procedures easier for operators.
Minister Morsy said the Ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities to establish more nurseries in new cities and residential communities. A nationwide survey is also being carried out to identify areas with the greatest need for additional facilities, while work continues to improve existing nurseries and develop the skills of their staff.
El-Sisi directed the government to raise the quality and accessibility of childcare services, increase nursery enrolment and prepare a comprehensive development map for the sector. He also called for stronger family-support policies, the establishment of psychological and social counselling centres for children in line with international standards, and further expansion of elderly care homes.
The meeting additionally reviewed developments in Egypt’s foster-family system for children without parental care. The Ministry of Social Solidarity is expanding foster-care programmes and has introduced a digital system linking the national committee responsible for foster families with local committees across governorates.
The President stressed the need for continued follow-up of children placed with foster families to ensure their social and psychological stability, while providing the support needed to protect their wellbeing and best interests.
Be Social
Comments
Leave a Comment